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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the electrical engineering curriculum of a university, focusing on its structure, content, and perceived gaps, particularly regarding physics courses. Participants express their opinions on the adequacy of the curriculum and suggest considerations for future studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the entire electrical engineering curriculum, expressing concern about the absence of dedicated physics courses.
  • Another participant argues that the physics content is covered within the engineering courses, specifically mentioning "Mechanics and Waves for Engineers" and "Electromagnetism and Optics for Engineers" as equivalent to a general physics curriculum.
  • A third participant questions the inclusion of communications or writing classes, emphasizing their importance alongside technical subjects.
  • In response, a participant notes that English and Technical Writing courses are included, suggesting they address the communication skills concern.
  • Another participant seeks recommendations for community colleges that offer pathways to computer engineering programs, indicating a potential shift in academic focus.
  • Responses include suggestions for community colleges in Michigan, highlighting the proximity to major engineering schools and the benefits of the local environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the curriculum, particularly regarding the coverage of physics. While some believe the curriculum is sufficient, others highlight potential gaps. There is also a discussion about the importance of communication skills, with some agreement on the inclusion of relevant courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of dedicated physics courses, which may depend on how physics is defined within the context of engineering education. The discussion also reflects varying priorities regarding course content and skills development.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective engineering students, educators evaluating engineering curricula, and individuals considering community college pathways to engineering programs may find this discussion relevant.

J. Matt
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So yeah I was going to apply to this uni until I stumbled at their EE curriculum which is as follow:

I'm not very expert, but you know wish to know the expert opinion in this regard

Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Numerical Methods
Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Introduction to Chemistry
Mechanics and Waves for Engineers
Electromagnetism and Optics for Engineers
Programming for Engineers
Engineering Economy and Cost Analysis
Materials Science and Engineering
Introduction to Electronics
Foundations of Electrical Engineering
Electric Circuits
Digital Logic Systems
Signals and Systems
Communications Theory
Microelectronics
Computer Networks
Control and Feedback System Design
Computer Architecture
Electrical Energy Conversion
Applied Electromagnetic
Electric Power Systems
Digital Communications
Electrical Engineering Capstone Project
5 × electives

the plan during the 4 years study will be like:

1st semester:
Programming for Engineers
Introduction to Chemistry
Calculus I
Mechanics and Waves for Engineers

2nd semester:
Materials Science and Engineering
Calculus II
Electromagnetism and Optics for Engineers

3rd semester:
Foundations of Electrical Engineering
Calculus III
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations

4th semester:
Introduction to Electronics
Electric Circuits
Digital Logic Systems
Numerical Methods
Probability and Statistics

5th semester:
Signals and Systems
Computer Networks
Computer Architecture
Applied Electromagnetic


6th semester:
Communications Theory
Microelectronics
Control and Feedback System Design
Electrical Energy Conversion
Engineering Economy and Cost Analysis

7th semester:
Digital Communications
Electric Power Systems
EE Elective
EE Elective

and the 8th semester:

Electrical Engineering Capstone Project
EE Elective
EE Elective
EE Elective

their electives are:

Special Topics in Electrical Engineering
Wireless Communications
Digital Electronics
Communication Electronics
Nano electronics
Digital Signal Processing
Digital Image Processing
Power Electronics
Antennas and Wave Propagation
Optical Fiber Communication Systems
Opto electronics
Microwave Engineering
Renewable Energy
Digital Control
Modern Control Theory


Unfortunately, I don't see a dedicated physics courses at all!
And I hope there aren't any important missing subjects

In general what do you think is the good, the bad, and the ugly in this course?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
This looks like a very standard engineering curriculum; the general physics is covered here:
. Mechanics and Waves for Engineers
. Electromagnetism and Optics for Engineers

This is equivalent to the first year of any general physics curriculum. Your engineering courses will then introduce any additional physics that is required as you go along. You will certainly learn about waves, and quantum mechanics will be mentioned in your solid state devices.
 
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Thanks a lot for clearing some ideas for me.
 
Do they not make you take any communications or writing classes? Being able to write a well-reasoned persuasive argument is a good skill to have. At least as important as any single other class beyond the fundamentals.
 
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They have English 1 & 2. and Technical Writing. These should cover the topics I guess. Thanks for the note.

BTW, I would really appreciate it if some could recommend some good community colleges which I could later on shift into a computer engineering program.

Thanks
 
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What part of the country?
 
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Preferably TX CA IL OH MI MA MD FL PA VA WA OR
 
Last edited:
Michigan has a very well developed community college system. If you were to start at Washtenaw Community College you would be only 15 minutes from the University of Michigan's engineering campus.

The same would be true for most of the other engineering schools in Michigan, though Michigan State and Michigan Tech (among others) also have good programs ... if you like fishing, hunting, hiking, or winter sports - then pick Michigan Tech. Go Huskies!
 

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